A business student asks questions of Chris Medley, a graduate now successful in wealth management.

Program connects executives with students

A unique program in the Kelce College of Business gave students the opportunity to interact with a fellow Gorilla who has executive-level experience in financial advising and wealth management.

Chris Medley, a 1980 graduate with a BBA in finance and economics, was the latest in the Executive on Campus program.

Past executives on campus have includedChris Williford,whograduatedfrom PSUwith a degree in business administrationand went on to become successful in the oil industry as co-founder of Silverback Exploration in Texas, and Anna Allen, a PSU alumna with a degree in finance who went on to serve as CFO at Duke Energy and a career in international business.

Medley, who went on to earn an MBA in finance and marketing from Oklahoma State University, started as afinancial advisor with A.G. Edwards and successor companies Wachovia and Wells Fargo Advisors, became an assistant branch manager, then joined RBC WealthManagement in Denver. He has been with R.W. Baird Private Wealth Management in Denver since June 2016.And today, he has clients in 27 states.

But while on campus, students were his focus. Medley spoke to ConnieShun'sbusiness finance class, Mary Kay Wachter's principles in marketing class, KristenMaceli'sleadership and behavioral management class, and Eric Harris' consumer behavior class. He also facilitated a discussion with Enactus and MBA students.

During a Q&A session, he shared insight as to what he might have done differently in his career (A: adhered to a better life/work balance), and what works best when communicating in business (A: personal interaction and the telephone, as opposed to emails and texts).

He encouraged students to gain as much experience as possible with public speakingno matter what aspect of business they pursue, to be true leaders by leading by example and empowering others,and emphasized that they "are in one of the most fascinating periods of time" when it comes to trends and their influence on business.

"This is really enjoyable to me," Medley said of his time spent on campus. "To be able to give back to my university, and at the same time be able to help shape their future — it's a great experience."

Eric Harris, professor of marketing and Kelce College Director of Research & Engagement, saidhaving Medleyon campus allowed PSU students to gain valuable perspectives.

"We arevery grateful that Chris took the time to come back and share his experiences with our students," Harris said. "He exemplifies the qualities we try to instill in Kelce graduates and we greatly appreciate his willingness to share."